The impending ban on TikTok in the United States, scheduled for January 19, has led many American users to flock to RedNote, a Chinese social media platform also known as Xiaohongshu. As of Monday, RedNote has surged to the top of the download charts in the US, presenting a unique challenge for the platform as it seeks to balance China’s strict content moderation policies with the expectations of non-Chinese-speaking users.
While RedNote has gained popularity, some American users have expressed frustration with its censorship policies, which are more restrictive than typical social media platforms. These policies extend beyond the usual prohibitions on violent content, hate speech, and pornography, encompassing a broader range of posts. One American user shared their experience of having a post asking whether RedNote was inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community removed within hours. The user later received homophobic comments and accusations of trying to impose foreign values on the platform.
Another user was upset after his photo, showing his upper body, was censored. He questioned why he wasn’t allowed to share fitness-related content, specifically his abs. A Chinese user replied with a suggestion to cover his nipples, citing China’s stricter guidelines on such displays, which are often considered sexually suggestive.
Regarding these censorship concerns, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun commented that platform use is a personal choice and encouraged people-to-people exchanges. However, China’s internet is well-known for censoring sensitive topics, and platforms like Weibo have taken action in the past against politically sensitive content.
The TikTok ban is expected to be enforced unless ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, transfers ownership or an emergency intervention occurs. The ban, driven by national security concerns over data sharing with Chinese authorities, has sparked opposition, including from incoming US President Donald Trump, who has called for a Supreme Court review of the decision.
